Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging, and learning a new language is often a part of that. At Remitly, we understand the potential hurdles immigrants face when learning English in the UK. That’s why we’ve put together practical tips to help you integrate English into your daily life. Try them out and watch your fluency—and confidence—grow.
Learning English as an immigrant
As a newcomer to the UK, learning English is one of the best ways to feel comfortable there. The ability to confidently navigate things like the bank, paperwork appointments, and restaurants can make a place feel like home. Plus, English skills can help you integrate into the local community and provide more educational and job opportunities.
Learning any language comes with its challenges—and English is no exception—but this is all part of the learning process. English has some unique pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary rules that can take some getting used to, particularly if your native language is unrelated.
The great thing about learning a language in the country where it’s spoken is that you’re surrounded by it every day. Just as you learned your native language through immersion, you can apply the same approach to English.
Listen to English constantly
Put on English songs or a podcast (there’s a wide range of podcasts geared to English learners) on your way to work. Have an English TV or radio programme on in the background while you’re cleaning the house or preparing dinner. Even just listen to people chatting on the street.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t pick up every word or completely understand what’s being said; as you continue to immerse yourself, you’ll gradually pick up on more and more.
Watch TV series and films in English
With the advent of streaming, it’s easier than ever to advance your English skills by watching TV series and films in English. You’ll get to practise your listening and learn more natural-sounding ways to say commonly-used expressions.
If the idea of watching a whole film in English sounds daunting, take it slow and turn on subtitles in your language. You can slowly work up to changing the subtitles to English, turning them off entirely, or watching a new film completely in English.
Turn your phone into a language-learning tool
Did you know that the average person in the UK spends nearly three hours and 50 minutes on their phone? Why not take some of that time to help you learn English?
- Change the language on your mobile to English. You’ll quickly pick up on lots of useful vocabulary, and it’ll also help you think in English whenever you check your phone. Plus, you’re more likely to see content in English from your web searches to your feeds.
- Social media can also be a useful tool. Follow influencers or other accounts that talk about topics you’re interested in in English. You’ll be more engaged with the content and learn new expressions while you’re at it.
- There are plenty of both free and paid language-learning apps you can download. Having apps like these on your phone can turn any downtime into a language-learning opportunity.
- You can record yourself talking about any topic on your phone using a voice recording app, and listen back later. While listening to your own voice might feel strange at first, it’s a powerful tool for improvement. Over time, you’ll be able to hear how far you’ve come.
- Language exchange apps like Tandem connect you with others learning a language. Find someone to help you with your English, and you can help them learn a language that you already know.
- You could even practise speaking with a voice assistant app like Siri or Google Assistant.
Daily practical speaking
Speaking is often the most nerve-wracking part of learning a language, but the more you practise, the more you’re likely to improve. Start by speaking in English regularly with friends and family to build confidence.
Many cities have local meetup groups of people looking to practise their English together. You can also look for language exchanges in your area. Who knows, you may leave with a new friend.
When speaking in English with friends or colleagues, you can ask them to gently correct you on your English, or ask them questions about how to say something. It’s okay to make mistakes; it just means that you’re learning.
Educational resources and courses
If you’re looking to step up your learning in a structured way, there are plenty of educational resources in the UK to help you learn English.
- You can search for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes in your area to find courses geared towards non-native English speakers. Many are low-cost or even free.
- There are also numerous online language learning platforms you can use, many of which are free.
- For a more personalised approach, you could hire a tutor to have conversations with, and help you with your overall learning.
- Alternatively, there are many online language-learning marketplaces where you can find a teacher for video lessons. Platforms like Preply even allow you to search according to your preferences, so you could look for a tutor with more experience in British English.
- Depending on where you live, local governments or organisations also host workshops and seminars.
- Organisations like the British Council host online community events, where teachers answer questions from learners and give workshops on different topics.
Reading and writing in English
Read in English
Much like listening and speaking, you can sharpen your reading skills by consuming as much as you can in English. Set aside some time in your day to read in English. Choose a book you know and love or a book or magazine that interests you.
Reading children’s or young adult books may be more accessible at first, and that’s fine. As long as you’re reading, you’re improving. While you’re reading, underline or write down any words you don’t know to look up later, or look them up directly if you’re using an e-reader.
You can also try graded readers, original or adapted short stories for specific levels from beginner to advanced. These can be a great way to challenge your reading without feeling overwhelmed.
Keep a journal in English
Whether you already keep a journal or haven’t ever written one, keeping one in English can be a great way to practise your writing skills. Plus, no one has to see it, so you can make as many mistakes as you want.
You can write about simple things like what you did that day or talk about hopes, dreams, and goals you have. Regardless of what you write, a journal helps you organise your thoughts in English and can help you gain confidence in expressing your ideas.
Learn English with the translation technique
While many English courses prioritise full immersion and avoiding a learner’s native language, the translation technique can be a useful tactic when studying. Translating a text from English to your language and vice versa can have some surprising benefits.
When you translate, you can more easily identify gaps in your vocabulary and grammar. You are forced to notice what you don’t know or understand. When a word or phrase goes from an “unknown unknown” to a “known unknown”, the act of realising this will help you to better remember these specific words or phrases in the future.
Translation can help you:
- Identify false friends
- Flag differences in sentence structure
- Find out that words and phrases don’t always have direct equivalents
- Learn specialised vocabulary
Translation also forces you to understand what the author is trying to say. You start by identifying the general meaning of the text and then translate it in more detail. Plus, translation is a valuable life skill that you may need to use, particularly as your English skills improve.
Embrace hobbies in English
Pursue hobbies in English
No matter what you’re interested in, practising hobbies you already love or discovering new ones is a great way to learn English quickly. It can make immersion more enjoyable and can teach you specific vocabulary and phrases in your chosen hobby.
Depending on your preference, you can do this alone or in a group. Watch a video in English about calligraphy, play a video game in English, or check a book out from the library about birdwatching. If you want something more social, you can find a local hobby group through social media or a meetup website.
If you’re into sports, you could join a local team for a sport popular in the UK, like football, rugby, or cricket. If you like cooking, try making local UK recipes, like fish and chips or scones. By engaging with local versions of your interests, you’ll improve your English while deepening your connection to your new home, creating more opportunities to meet other English-speakers, and cultivating a greater sense of belonging.
Engage with English community events
The UK has a wide variety of community events you can engage with. Depending on where you live, you can find gardening days, fun runs, tea parties, film screenings, pub nights, rugby matches, and more. On holidays like Christmas and Bonfire Night, you can also find fun events in your city.
Going to events like these can help you feel more connected to your community, meet new people, and even find new hobbies and interests. You can check out your local council calendar, find posters around town, or check social media to see what’s on in your area.
Ready to focus on your new life in the UK?
At Remitly, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re sending money home to loved ones or managing your finances abroad, we make international money transfers faster, easier, and more transparent. Download the Remitly app today and start sending money with confidence.
FAQs
What is the best way for immigrants to learn English?
While there is no one ‘best’ way to learn English, getting as much English input as you can in the four core language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) is key to learning English quickly. Try to find content and activities that keep you engaged, not frustrated.
What is the fastest way to learn English?
Learning a new language will always take time and effort. However, immersion, like living in a primarily English-speaking country, often helps people learn faster, as they have more opportunities to talk with native speakers. With deliberate studying and practice, you can get to a good level pretty quickly.
How long does it take immigrants to learn English?
Every immigrant’s experience learning English is unique, so it’s difficult to quantify how long it would take for someone to learn English with confidence. Many factors could affect how quickly immigrants learn English: their age on arrival, how different English is from their native tongue, and their reasons for immigrating, to name a few. If someone is highly motivated, they can also learn faster.
Where do immigrants go to learn English?
There are many places where you can learn English in your area, and many immigrants take English courses upon arrival in the UK. You can search for ESOL classes online, or go to a local church or library to help point you in the right direction. You can also check out online directories for classes near you.